The Majority leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga has terminated calls to summon the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, over the closure of seven radio stations nationwide.

The Majority leader argues that the minister simply upholds the law by ensuring that only authorized stations operate.

The communication ministry issued a media advisory explaining that the affected stations were operating without valid frequency authorization which violates Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, (Act 775). The affected stations include:

Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani (90.1 MHz)
I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale (89.7 MHz)
Abochannel Media Group, Adidome (105.7 MHz)
Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani (99.7 MHz)
Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman (99.7 MHz)
Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz)

The decision has sparked criticism, with some questioning the minister’s role in the matter. However, the Majority leader insists that the closures are a matter of law enforcement, not ministerial overreach.

“I am surprised that you will make the minister the subject of castigation and unnecessary attacks, trying to question his competence when all he is saying in this communication is that the NCA Director General is enforcing the law because these stations are operating without authorization,” Ayariga stated.

He further defended Sam George, arguing that only unauthorized stations were affected. “How is that a matter for the minister to be summoned to answer? Are you trying to prevent ministers from doing their jobs? The minister will shut the radio stations down today, and tomorrow they should go for authorization. If the stations had frequency authorization, he wouldn’t have shut them down. Why didn’t he shut down all other stations that are operating legally?”

Meanwhile, watch as Nana Akomea, Kwesi Pratt clash on radio over public sector dismissals